Friday, February 14, 2014

Multi-Purpose Rigid Bombs (MPR) by IMI

IMI is expanding its family of Multi-Purpose Rigid Bombs (MPR) providing a warhead optimized for modern aerial weapons’ guidance kits.
The first of the line, which is already operational, is the MPR 500 –
fully compatible with the standard MK82 general-purpose bomb. Its
improved design and more predictable target penetration significantly
improve mission success when using laser, EO or GPS guidance kits.
When
these kits are employed with General Purpose (GP) bombs, the warhead,
being the least costly element in the system, is often the cause mission
failure – either the weapon jitters off the surface, totally missing
the target or causing collateral damage. MPR was designed to match the
attack profile of guided weapons, enabling four times the penetration,
compared to GP bombs of a similar weight class. As a blast fragmentation
warhead, the MPR packs 26,000 fragments, sending a dense curtain
affecting an area of 2,200 square meters around the impact point for
maximum lethality.

Nevertheless,
this lethality effect is focused to a small area, limiting collateral
damage to 60-100 meters. In fact, the effect of the current MPR 500 is
comparable to that of Mk84 general-purpose bomb, whose use in urban
setting is limited, due to the large collateral damage radius of the
Mk84, which covers hundreds of meters, limiting its use in support close
to friendly forces.

With
improved, more durable design the MPR can penetrate four walls or
floors without loosing direction, as a general purpose warhead will do.
The MPR2000 will also be able to penetrate at least two meters of
concrete. Photo: IMI

Based on the positive results gained by the MPR500,
IMI is expanding these weapons to more weapon types. The company has
already conducted testing of MPR1000 (compatible with Mk83 1000 pound
warhead) and is proceeding with testing of MPR2000 (compatible with Mk84
/ 2000 pound warhead). The MPR 2000 will be able to penetrate at least
two meters of concrete, enabling cost-effective, multi-purpose use
against a wide target range.
Development is also in progress with
the lightweight MPR250, which will offer an SDB alternative at a
fraction of the cost of this guided weapon, which comprises an
integrated warhead rather than strap-on guidance kit.
To
further improve the weapon’s adaptability for modern air forces and
naval air arms, IMI is negotiating with a foreign company to deliver the
MPR family with Insensitive Munitions (IM) explosive charges. IM has
become a prerequisite for ammunition storage, particularly on board
naval vessels.

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About Me

Over 20 years of continuous R&D "GIZMO'S & GADGETS DEVELOPMENT" including project engineering, design, research & prototyping development in all facets of technology especially communication systems. Published Author as well.
Also known as "Q".....The Gadget Man